Legal Immigrants Stand Against Illegal Workers

In what may be the next front of the illegal immigration debate, two women in the state of Washington (both naturalized and in the United States legally) are collecting signatures on a petition to promote Washington State initiative I-1056. This provision would deny drivers' licenses to all illegal immigrants (Washington is only one of the three states that allow illegals to obtain a license to drive). Additionally, this bill would deny nonemergency public benefits including lottery winnings and college assistance. The initiative is unlikely to pass, especially considering that the Republican party in Washington does not support its passage.

But let's look at another aspect of the illegal immigration problem...businesses that knowingly hire illegal workers (or fail to check their immigration status). "It is so simple, even a Caveman can do it."

People seeking employment are supposed to file an I-9 Form (Employment Eligibility Verification) and is required of all employees hired after November 6, 1986. But actually, it isn't that simple because all too many employers either look the other way, or plead ignorance.

Anti-Discrimination Notice. It is illegal to discriminate against any individual (other than an alien not authorized to work in the U.S.) in hiring, discharging, or recruiting or referring for a fee because of that individual's national origin or citizenship status. It is illegal to discriminate against work eligible individuals. Employers CANNOT specify which document(s) they will accept from an employee. The refusal to hire an individual because of a future expiration date may also constitute illegal discrimination.

The government helps employers verify employment eligibility with a voluntary program called the E-Verify Program. It is in place to help employers verify the information provided by potential employees regarding their eligibility to work in the United States.

So, one of the ways to stop illegal immigration, aside from passage of local laws like Arizona 1070 or the passage of initiatives like Washington I-1056, is to ensure compliance with the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form. Please answer this question: If you became aware of or suspected that a business was not in compliance with their I-9 responsibilty, what would you do?